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Beware of Flying Balls at 4th Annual Gary Bitz Jr. Lax-A-Thon

Winter Garden, FL – The Gary Bitz Jr. 27 Hour Lax-A-Thon is an event that gives new meaning to the term “Beware of Flying Balls”, partly because this special charity lacrosse event now in its 4th year is held in Gary Bitz’s backyard. And while many players over the years have broken a window or two playing lacrosse in their backyards, the Bitz family has embraced the idea of playing in theirs. Together the Bitz family has created an incredible fundraising event, gathering their community in support of the HEADstrong Foundation helping to raise over $25,000 since its inception 4 years ago.

The event has grown significantly over the years and plans for this year are bigger than ever. Gary has set the fundraising bar hoping to surpass his prior fundraising totals and now there is an interactive way for lacrosse players and enthusiasts from around the country to support his efforts online.
The event will be held at the Bitz residence located at 1068 Spring Mill Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787. The event is set for Saturday August 24th and will run through Sunday August 25th. The game will begin 11:00AM on Saturday and will run 27 hours until 2:00PM the following day. Participants will be play for 27 consecutive hours, recognizing the number 27 worn by HEADstrong Founder Nicholas Colleluori. Rules of the event require participants to play, pass or cradle consistency for 27 straight hours.

Now in its 4rd year, the event has become an annual tradition and with more interest from participants, sponsors and special guests attending, this year’s event promises to be event the best yet. Event sponsors Warrior, Brine, Lacrosse.com, Rosen Shingle Creek, Presentation Services Audio Visual, Roth Financial Group and Rollis Construction & Renovation, Inc. are all working together to support this amazing fundraiser.
In 2012, over 50 players participated and this year the Bitz family is welcoming lacrosse players from all over the country to be a part of the event.
The family hopes to surpass his previous fundraising totals and now there is an interactive way for lacrosse players and enthusiasts from around the country to support the effort online.

“We are really excited for this year’s event and hope to exceed last year’s fundraising total. Each year the event has grown in size and our hope is that players from across the country will help HEADstrong through supporting our efforts. This year we have some surprises up our sleeves with some special guests dropping by and prizes being awarded participant who raises the most funds.” Gary Bitz Jr.

“Once again the lacrosse community never ceases to amazing us. Young Gary has served as an ambassador of our organization over the past four years. The Bitz’s are a great family and what they continue to do in Nick’s name is so special and heartfelt. We hope to count on the support of the lacrosse community by pledging an amount towards Gary’s fundraising effort. Our Nick believed that you are never too young to make a difference and built HEADstrong to empower young athletes to help others. We are so humbled to know that our son and Founder inspired Gary to start something so incredible. His efforts are truly appreciated and we hope that players from around the country take a page of our your book.
Cheryl Colleluori, HEADstrong President and Nick’s Mom

Over the past four years the event has evolved, stemming from a brainstorm that Gary Bitz Jr., a young lacrosse player from Winter Garden, FL had while attending NCAA Championship Weekend in Baltimore, Maryland with his father. While visiting the fan fest at the Inner Harbor, Gary had the chance to learn about the HEADstrong Foundation and met the Colleluori family. He was so inspired by organization that on the flight home, Gary began to sketch an event in which he and his friends would play lacrosse in his backyard for 24 consecutive hours. He would ask friends, family, neighbors and his local community to support him with pledges. And so, the Gary Bitz Jr. 24-Hour Lax-A-Thon was born.